from my time on comedy central thankstojonstewartandstephen colbert coming up next. >>> but first, broke and bills piled high. many americans find themselves facing just that. when people in one wisconsin community are hit with hard times, they've got a unique safety net. he's this week's cnn hero, sal dimicelli the dear abby of the down and out. >> when i go through suburbia america or the small towns, everybody's trying to hold their head up with pride. >> you've been looking for work. >> okay. i know it's tough in a recession. >> i went and sold all my jewelry yesterday. >> these people behind closed doors they tell their neighbors they're fine. they'd sooner go in the house and starve. >> how much do you owe me right now? >> gas bill i owe about $800. >> i find the situation is getting worse. they need food. they need help with their utilities. i mean, this is 2011 in america? we should be helping each other. i'm sal dimiceli. my mission is to help americans who have fallen on hard times. in a week i'll receive 20 to 30 letter. me and my family do not want to become homeless.

segment cnn anchor don lemon appears not to care for cnn. >> whatisjonstewarttalkingabout and why did stephen colbert interrupt one of my broadcasts. >> i'm in the middle of a broadcast. >> yeah, who isn't? yeah, hold on, sanjay. >> i'll explain that and more in the news tonight. >>> good've evening, everyone, i'm don lemon. u.s. senators are on the job. the high stakes standoff over raising the nation's debt ceiling has lawmakers working this very hour. as of now, they don't agree with they're making any progress. tonight cnn has learned that mitch mcconnell is in direct contact with the white house and democratic leaders in congress met face to face with the president late this afternoon. but just a short time ago on the senate floor, senator harry reid insisted that claims a deal could be near are simply not true. >> today the speaker republican leader held a press conference to announce they're in talks with the president and that a bargain to raise the debt ceiling is in the works and is close. mr. president, members of the senate, that's not true. i just spent two hours with the